Lifegain

Lifegain is a mechanic found in various trading card games, most notably Magic: The Gathering. It refers to the act of increasing a player's life total, typically represented by a numerical value. This increase in life is usually achieved by playing specific cards that have abilities or effects that cause lifegain. The amount of life gained can vary greatly depending on the card, ranging from a single point to a significant portion of a player's starting life total.

The primary purpose of lifegain in a game is to extend a player's survivability. By increasing their life total, a player can withstand more damage from their opponent's attacks or other detrimental effects before being defeated. This can allow a player more time to develop their board state, find necessary cards, or execute their winning strategy. Lifegain can also be a win condition in itself, as some cards or strategies might require a player to reach a certain high life total to win the game.

In many games, lifegain is not an inherently aggressive mechanic. It is often seen as a defensive or reactive tool, designed to prolong the game and provide an advantage in endurance. However, some strategies combine lifegain with other effects that are triggered by or benefit from a higher life total, turning a defensive mechanic into an offensive one. The value of lifegain can fluctuate depending on the game's context, the opponent's strategy, and the overall game state.